Manitoba church fined $10K for violating COVID-19 gathering rules; 2 restaurants fined $5K
A church in the Canadian province of Manitoba was fined $10,000 while two restaurants in the province each received fines of $5,000 in response to violating gathering restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.
From April 12 to April 18, Christian Church of Morden received two fines, each totaling $5,000 for allegedly violating provincial lockdown orders.
Flea Whiskey's in Winnipeg and Original Joe's Restaurant and Bar in Brandon were also fined $5,000 during that time, with 14 persons also fined $1,296 each for similar violations, CTV News Winnipeg reported Tuesday.
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“The public is reminded that abusive and aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated, and criminal offences will be reported to police and investigated,” stated province officials, according to CTV.
On Easter Sunday, Christian Church of Morden held what local news media outlet The Winkler Morden Voice described as a “full in-person service” on Easter Sunday.
In a statement posted online that has since been taken down, the church defended its decision to hold the service, arguing that it was “not an act of rebellion or resentment towards our government but an earnest desire to minister to our society during this crisis.”
“Churches have been a place of refuge for people in difficult times where they may receive help for spiritual, emotional and physical suffering,” stated the church, as quoted by the Voice.
“At the moment, we find ourselves in a crisis, and, as a church, we are more than ever required to pray and have open doors for anyone looking for fellowship, help and support.”
Christian Church of Morden also stated that they were taking precautions, such as “reminding our congregation not to attend church services if someone is sick and contagious.”
According to current provincial public health orders, updated on Monday, Manitoba prohibits gatherings of more than five people indoors and more than 10 people outdoors unless otherwise permitted.
Houses of worship are permitted to hold regular worship services, provided they do not “exceed 25% of the usual capacity of the premises or 50 persons, whichever is lower” and follow public health guidelines like social distancing and wearing face masks.
“This Order does not prevent the premises of a church, mosque, synagogue, temple or other place of worship from being used by a public or private school or for the delivery of health care, child care or social services,” continued the order.
Last December, Christian Church of Morden was one of seven congregations to sign onto a lawsuit against the province, challenging the legality of the public health orders.
The churches, along with a couple of restaurant owners and an attendee of a protest, were represented by the Calgary, Alberta-based Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms.
“The lockdowns are devastating society on multiple socio-economic and constitutional levels, and harming the well-being of citizens,” said Allison Pejovic, staff lawyer at JCCF, in a statement last year.
“It is past time that the constitutionality of these restrictions and prohibitions are adjudicated by a fair and impartial court that looks at facts and evidence.”
